While the Grand Bazar was incredibly smokey to the point it was difficult to be within it, Misir is…read moreits much younger more comfortable cousin. The air quality is much much better and it's also easier to navigate. If you struggle with air quality issues but want a Grand Bazar like experience I'd recommend stopping in here as it's quite similar but a smaller less busy scale. All in all, I was able to purchase the mini fez I wanted here, so I would definitely come back.

I mean, you have to visit here, right?! The sights. The sounds. The smells. The haggling…read more Plenty of selection to choose from, whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else. Prices seemed fairly reasonable, even with it being a high tourist area. You definitely shouldn't lack for a helpful guide to assist you with your purchases. Fun to try the samples they are giving out also. Turkish treats and teas a plenty.

When my neighbors in Zurich heard that I was partly relocating to Istanbul, they didn't wast any…read moretime - they almost immediately handed over an old label on a small empty bag, which they said had been filled with the finest pistachios they had ever had. And yes, they would love to get more if I could find them. Not easy. All the label said was that it was from a place or company called Güven. No address or anything. But of course I found them. Not, as I had thought, in Macro or some other upscale supermaket, but on Teşvikiye Caddesi. So I went there, walked in, and immediately knew that this was my place for almonds and pistachios in Isanbul. It's like a showroom for all kinds of nuts, and everything you get there is first class. Some people may argue that you can't really taste much of a difference between regular pistachios and expensive ones - but if you really love them you do. And if you do, this is your place. As expensive as they may be - the peeled pistachios are as good as it gets, trust me. Grab a bag of them, don't look at the price, just swipe your card, punch in your number, and take them home. Beware. You'll never buy them anywhere else again. Oh, and - they have a second shop, in Nisantası as well. Valikonagi Cad. No:50